Homemade Mulberry Jam Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a sweet mulberry jam center. These delightful thumbprint cookies are perfect for tea time, holiday gatherings, or as an everyday indulgence. The combination of rich cookie dough and fruity jam creates a delicious contrast in texture and flavor, making them an irresistible homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Easy – Made with basic pantry ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes.
- Buttery and Soft – The cookie dough is rich and tender, complementing the sweet jam filling.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for holidays, afternoon tea, or gifting.
- Customizable – Use different jams or fillings to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun and easy baking project for the whole family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Filling:
- ½ cup mulberry jam (homemade or store-bought)
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing well.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or a small spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of mulberry jam into each indentation.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 18 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
Variations
- Nutty Crunch – Add finely chopped almonds or walnuts to the dough for extra texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for a gourmet touch.
- Spiced Cookies – Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Lemon Twist – Add lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Different Jams – Swap mulberry jam with raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam for variety.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake them fresh when needed. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought jam?
Yes! While homemade mulberry jam is delicious, store-bought jam works just as well.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Can I use whole eggs instead of just the yolk?
The egg yolk adds richness, but if using a whole egg, expect a slightly firmer texture.
What’s the best way to get clean thumbprints?
Use a teaspoon or the back of a measuring spoon for a more even indentation.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I make my cookies crispier?
Bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter provides the best flavor and texture.
Can I dust these cookies with powdered sugar?
Absolutely! A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
How do I prevent the jam from overflowing?
Do not overfill the indentations—½ teaspoon is usually enough to prevent spilling.
Conclusion
Homemade Mulberry Jam Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery, soft cookies and sweet jam centers, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a festive holiday treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a delicious homemade treat!